whatever i was looking at had this coming years pac12 included
after all of stat corrections they were average rather than above average
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Illini Basketball 2026-2027
whatever i was looking at had this coming years pac12 included
after all of stat corrections they were average rather than above average
But also "an above average p4 team" and "above average" are two different things.
Like you mentioned leading scorer doesn't necessarily mean best player. For example you have Luther Head as the leading scorer and he was probably the 3rd best of the guards though he was very very good.
I love Mirk but i guess it wouldn't surprise to see any of the starters be the best player.
The path for Stojakovic would through being very efficient as a volume scorer while also being the best perimeter defender and improving as a ball handler and playmaker(I think those would be bigger improvements than even shooting).
Mirk would be a combo of scoring, rebounding, and facilitating as a point forward. Vaaks would be with playmaking, shooting, and scoring much in the way Wagler was last year. Tomi felt a little bit sidelined last year but he could also make a case if he's scoring inside, knocking down 3s, rebounding at the clip he was his first year, and showcasing his passing ability and rim protection.
Coleman would probably the most surprising at the group because the rest of them are pretty established but Wagler did it last year.
Interesting why/how this is -- we focus so much on 3pt% of our transfers, but it's pretty noteworthy how so many of our newcomers have experienced an increase in 2pt%.
Andrej:
47.8% 2pt at CAL | up to 58.3% at IL
Zvonimir:
59.8% 2pt at ARK | up to 83.1% at IL (which led the nation)
Boswell:
41.5% 2pt at AZ | up to 56.7% at IL (2025)
Tre White:
51.5% 2pt at LVIlle | up to 58.7 at IL (2025)
Andrej:
47.8% 2pt at CAL | up to 58.3% at IL
Zvonimir:
59.8% 2pt at ARK | up to 83.1% at IL (which led the nation)
Boswell:
41.5% 2pt at AZ | up to 56.7% at IL (2025)
Tre White:
51.5% 2pt at LVIlle | up to 58.7 at IL (2025)
Vaaks is awesome. Skill set so translatable (obviously assuming the shooting stays as it was at Providence).
Winning a National Championship would help.
Also, maybe the staff is selling them on the idea that there will be significant turnover next year, that is, there will be at least 3 starters who will be leaving and maybe a fourth (Mirk). Of course, I also realize there will be transfers also vying for those positions.
Illinicpa14
- Chicago
I think there’s been some articles about how they seek out guys they feel they can clean up shot selection from an analytics perspective.
Pretty sure that’s also part of the calculus with Vaaks taking the next step.
Makes sense with Tre... he wanted to do a bunch of iso mid-range stuff (was said to be part of reason why he left; wanted more freedom/touches)
Also think it makes sense with Andrej... improved shot selection (less midrange) while also not having to be the late shot clock guy every possession
Boswell, probably also makes sense there... he got a lot stronger too which helps finish plays around the rim
Big Z is the most noticeable difference and that one I have no idea, because he was neither a bail out guy or took many mid-range shots at Arkansas
He shot 43 "non rim twos" at Arkansas, compared to just 10 this year at IL.
Yep that would be a big reason for it then
pruman91
- interviewing new NL's daily....I really really am
this video shows me that we have gotten a high quality addition to our already talented squad.....I look at this next season with a lot more enthusiasm after watching this clip and seeing how skilled Mr. Vaaks truly is......he looks like a certain 1st rd talent to me......he really really does............
That's really interesting. Maybe because our strategy is either 3pt shots or high % 2pt shots (ie at or near the rim).
Yeah, Z hasn’t shown much of a traditional back to the basket game. Most of his 2 point shots were put backs and lobs.
Dr Copejam
- The Rock
Looks like he has it pulled up. Man bun/Baby pony.
Finally some evidence to squash the debate. Point guards to not throw down double pump dunks. Now we are screwed with no point guard.
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
All I see are 8 wings and no 9th man.
Agreed. Defense is so dependent on culture. Providence didn’t have it last year. The entire team was lousy on that end.
He will get stronger this summer. He has the length and athleticism to be at least solid. Brad wouldn’t have chased him if he didn’t think he could tighten it up. Scoring was never going to be an issue with the guys we already had on board.
If he aspires to make the NBA next year, his proving he can defend competently has to be a priority.
He will get stronger this summer. He has the length and athleticism to be at least solid. Brad wouldn’t have chased him if he didn’t think he could tighten it up. Scoring was never going to be an issue with the guys we already had on board.
If he aspires to make the NBA next year, his proving he can defend competently has to be a priority.
Main takeaway is that he is a large human. Looks more like you expect a point forward than a guy playing guard.
